Two lakh pilgrims registered for Shri Amarnath yatra

In connection with Shri Amaranth Ji Yatra, a high level review meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr.Asgar Samoon. Principal Secretary to Governor, R.K Goel was also present in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that so far two lakh pilgrims have registered themselves at various branches of J&K Bank across the country. It was also told in the meeting that the Yatra will commence from June 29,2011.

During the meeting various issues related to smooth functioning of Amaranth Ji Yatra, registration of pack and riding ponies, establishment of Langars, supply of power and drinking water, availability of medicare, tele communication, essential commodities, sanitation ,opening of ATMs,hire charges of collies and dandiwalls were discussed threadbare.

The meeting was told that 4000 quintals of firewood would be kept available by the Forest Department at various halting stations while temporary medical license would be provided for setting up temporary medical shops.The meeting further told that fair price shops would also be set up by the CAPD and Cooperative Society.

Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary said that Helicopter service would be pressed into service to facilitate the pilgrims from Pahalgam to Panjtarni,for which Rs.3450 has been fixed as fair charges while during the last year it was Rs.3800. He directed Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag who is also Yatra Officer to keep a strict vigil on the rates fixed on all the halting stations particularly at Panjtarni.

Mr. Goel asked the Director Animal Husbandry to start registration process of the ponies immediately and ensure fitness of ponies. The meeting was told that last year 7445 horses were registered and this year it is expected to touch more than 8000.

Meanwhile, Mr. Goel said that the Shrine Board has also made arrangements in place for making Pahalgam town polythene and garbage free. It was stated in the meeting that Urban Local Bodies has deployed 300 labourers from Sarbal to Pahalgam to ensure cleanliness.

The meeting was attended by Col J.Nair(RR) Col DD S Paul, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi,DIG, Traffic, Vijay Kumar, SSP,Anantnag, Chief Engineers of Power and PHE,Director Animal Husbandry, Director CAPD,Deputy Drug Controller and representatives of BSNL,Forest,Information, Urban Local Bodies, Labour, J&K Bank and other concerned officers.

Murti Sathapana performed at Maha Ganesh Temple

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturdashi today the Murti Sathapana was performed at newly constructed Shri Mahaganesh Temple at Ganesh Vihar, Muthi, here this afternoon. This unique type of Ganesh Temple has been constructed by the displaced Hindus from village Hanand -Chawalgam in Kulgam distrct of South Kashmir and it took them three years to built the temple.

Besides the Hindu biradari members from Hanand -Chawalgam village hundreds of devotees drawn from various parts of Jammu attended the function. Soon after the idol of Mahaganesh was installed on sanctum -sanctorum the slogans of Maha Ganesh Ki Jai rented the air. This was followed by samohik Arti and serving of prashad to devotees.

The temple is the replica of the original Ganesh Temple of Hanand Chawalgam and it has been constructed on two canals of land at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh.

The Murti of Lord Ganesh has been bought from Mahabalipuram under the supervision of Shankaracharya Ji of Kanchi Mutt. The Murti of Lord Ganesh was placed on Sanctum-Sanctorum by renowned saints and sages, amidst chanting of religious hymns.

The entire area gave a festive look as the temple premises was fully decorated by the devotees and biradari members.

In connection with the Murti Sathapana a Maha Yagya was also soliminized in temple premises. The hawan will conclude tomorrow afternoon with Puranahuti. The devotees also participated in Bhajan and Kirtan. Having total faith in their Isht Dev (presiding God) the villagers of Hanand Chawalgam believe that this Ganesh Temple will be a uniting force for them in exile also.

The Bhoomi -Poojan of the temple was performed on Ganesh Chaturdashi in 2008.